New Delhi: Pakistan on Wednesday named a career infantry officer credited with re-writing the infantry manual as its new all-powerful army chief, a key position as the country fights a Taliban insurgency and increasing Islamist violence.
In a message on Twitter, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (no relation) confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant-General Raheel Sharif at a time when tension continues with arch rival India over disputed Kashmir and as the United States seeks Pakistan’s help in bringing peace to neighbor Afghanistan.
Geo Television reported that Sharif, who hails from Lahore, was chosen by Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif from a list of four candidates sent to him by the outgoing army chief General Pervez Ashfaq Kayani. Earlier, the favourite for the position was General Mahmood, who was the second senior most in the rankings and seen as the favourite of General Kayani.
General Raheel Sharif comes from a military family. Hailing from the Frontier Corps, Sharif’s elder brother – Shabbir Sharif was a recipient of Pakistan’s highest military award, the Nishan-e-Haider. He is also related to another war hero, Major Aziz Bhatti. Sharif has worked extensively on countering India’s cold start doctrine with more sophisticated responses.
Bureau Report
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